EAN 2025 Summer Research Internship Program

Energy Action Network (EAN) is pleased to announce our 2025 Summer Research Internship Program. Applications are due March 1, 2025 for college students (rising juniors and seniors in 2025) and 2025 college graduates excited by EAN’s mission of achieving Vermont’s climate and energy commitments in ways that create a more just, thriving, and sustainable future.

EAN (the non-profit) was founded in 2012 to serve as a “backbone” organization for EAN (the Network), a broad and diverse collection of over 200 member organizations and public partners who are committed to helping Vermont achieve climate, clean energy, and energy justice goals. EAN’s work is done in a “collective impact” framework, supported by a Board of Directors and core staff. Serving as an Intern will provide an impactful opportunity to engage with and help inform future actions on climate, clean energy, sustainability, and energy justice in Vermont.

Internship Areas of Focus 

Two Summer Research Interns will be selected for 2025.  Each Intern will develop and carry out a research and writing project directly related to the ongoing work of EAN.  Applicants are encouraged to review previous Intern research projects on the EAN website and the 2024 Annual Progress Report for Vermont. Examples of possible internship projects for 2025 that have been identified and prioritized by EAN are provided below.

  • Review of “Energy Navigation” Programs

“Energy navigation” refers to initiatives that provide consumer outreach and education, technical support, and/or application assistance that help homeowners and renters make energy decisions and apply for programs and funding that help reduce energy costs and lower climate pollution. Various program approaches have been developed throughout the country, including by Vermont’s Community Action Agencies, the Climate Economy Action Center of Addison County (CEAC), and Efficiency Vermont. The purpose of this project would be to research existing programs in Vermont and elsewhere, identify successes and challenges, and recommend best practices for program design and implementation for new or existing initiatives moving forward. Examples of existing programs that could be explored outside of Vermont include: Rewiring America, a national nonprofit focused on electrification of buildings as a way to reduce fossil fuel use; heat pump coaching programs in Massachusetts; and energy coaching programs in Maine. The research would be conducted primarily through telephone or teleconference interviews with professionals working in the energy navigation field.

  • How States can use Data to Design Equitable Carbon-Pricing Policies

This project would build upon Vermont’s recent “Climate Policy Study” as well as analysis of household energy use and emissions by income level in Vermont completed by Middlebury students in the Fall of 2024. The purpose of the project would be to: review results of both Vermont analyses as well as similar analyses conducted outside of Vermont; summarize key findings from the analyses in a way that is understandable and accessible to policy makers and other key stakeholders; and highlight key factors to consider when developing carbon-pricing mechanisms to ensure they are equitable and fair.

  • The Future of Electrification and Vermont’s Grid

A question we often hear is “can Vermont’s grid handle widespread electrification and increasing electricity use?” The purpose of this project would be to: review existing research on the projected impact of electrification on the electricity transmission and distribution system in Vermont; research actions already being implemented to manage Vermont’s grid; and identify future initiatives Vermont’s electric utilities and transmission utility (VELCO) are planning as they prepare for increased electrification of buildings and transportation in the state. The intern would rely on recent studies conducted for Vermont, including (but not limited to) VELCO’s Long-Range Transmission Plan, as well as on telephone or teleconference interviews with professionals in the field.  The purpose of the research would be to develop a high-level understanding of key implications for Vermont’s transmission and distribution system from increased electrification, and to communicate findings in a way that is understandable and accessible to policy makers and other key stakeholders.

The project ideas above have been identified as timely, relevant, and valuable by the EAN team. Other project ideas are also welcome and applicants are strongly encouraged to propose key area(s) of interest and one or more possible projects for consideration by EAN. Potential areas of focus for each internship will be discussed with each applicant during the interview process. The final area of focus will be determined once the Intern begins.

Work Environment

This internship will be conducted remotely, with most meetings happening via video call. If practical, there may also be one or two in person meetings at the EAN office in Montpelier. In addition, office space may be available if Montpelier is convenient for the Intern(s).

Team Engagement

Both Interns will be mentored and supported by Christine Donovan, a career-long clean energy and climate professional, EAN Senior Fellow, and former Board Member.  This will be supplemented by periodic team engagement and interaction with: Jared Duval, Executive Director; Cara Robechek, Deputy Director and Network Manager; Lena Stier, Data Manager and Research Analyst; and potentially other Network members.

At least 3 one-hour Zoom teleconferences will be held with the Interns each week.  This will help ensure the Interns are welcomed into EAN, experience thoughtful and substantive discussions and interactions with Christine and staff, and enjoy a sense of teamwork and engagement during their internships.  In addition, Christine will be available via cell phone for consultation, brainstorming, etc. at any time during normal business hours.  Christine will engage Jared, Cara, Lena, and others as appropriate.

Required Qualifications

  • College students who are rising juniors and seniors in 2025 and/or 2025 college graduates
  • GPA of 3.3 or higher
  • Passion for helping lead the transition to a clean energy, decarbonized economy
  • Demonstrated research, writing, and verbal communication skills
  • Prior course work, internships, or employment in energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean transportation, climate action, or related sustainability issues
  • Successful experience working independently and producing pre-determined final products on time and with a high-level of professionalism
  • Reliable access to the internet as well as access to a personal computer or laptop
  • Proficient with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Desired Qualifications

  • Prior course work that involved conducting quantitative analysis
  • Interest in using quantitative analysis as a basis for assessing clean energy options

Application Process and Schedule

Please send a cover letter, a resume, two letters of recommendation, and a 3-to 5-page writing sample by Saturday, March 1 at 5 pm ET to: Christine Donovan at ctdonovan@aol.com. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom during the weeks of March 17 and 24.  All applicants will be notified of their status by Friday, April 4.

Stipend

A $5,000 stipend is available for each of two Summer Interns for a 10-week beginning Monday, June 9 and ending Friday, August 15.  Interns should anticipate about 25-30 hours of activity each during Weeks 1 through 6, increasing typically to about 40 hours of activity each during Week 7 through 10.

EAN is an equal opportunity employer.

Download EAN Summer Internship 2025 Description and Timeline

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